Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X

The ATH-AD500X is an open-air dynamic headphone from Audio-Technica's AD series, presented at CES and available from April 2013 as a newly designed model with a self-adjusting support system and fabric earpads. Its manufacturer's recommended retail price at launch was EUR 150, USD 198 or GBP 125 excluding VAT. In the AD range it sits below the ATH-AD700X and ATH-AD900X, which share the same user manual.

Key specs that matter

The 53 mm drivers were designed exclusively for the new AD models and use high-power magnets, and the frequency range extends from 5 to 25,000 Hz. Sensitivity is 100 dB/mW, impedance is 48 ohm and the maximum input power is 500 mW. The headphone itself weighs 235 g. A single 3.0 m cable is attached, ending in a gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo mini plug, and a detachable 6.3 mm adapter is included in the box. The retail carton measures 290 x 210 x 120 mm and weighs 549 g, figures that describe the packaging rather than the product, and Audio-Technica shipped the model ten to a carton under EAN code 4961310118631.

Engineering and use context

Voice coils are wound from CCAW, copper-clad aluminium wire, and Audio-Technica lists them alongside the drivers as the main features of the new design. The casing uses a honeycomb aluminium structure that is both light and open, so the rear of each driver vents to the outside, and Audio-Technica says the result avoids any feeling of pressure on the ears. Instead of a padded headband, the 3D Wing Support housing uses two wings that adjust automatically to the size of the head. The earpads are covered in a flexible raised fabric chosen for comfort and durability over long sessions. The single-sided cable is made from highly conductive OFC, oxygen-free copper, and its elastic TPE sheath is intended to prevent tangles. Because the design is fully open, sound leaks out of the cups and outside noise passes in, so the AD500X is intended for quiet rooms at home rather than for travel or open offices.

Pairing

Its impedance and sensitivity let the AD500X run from computer sound cards, portable players and the headphone socket of an integrated amplifier, while its modest maximum input rating limits how much power a dedicated headphone amplifier should deliver to it. The cable length gives room to sit away from the source in a 20 m2 living room.

Alternatives

The ATH-AD700X is the next open-air AD model up, with a 5 to 30,000 Hz range, 38 ohm impedance and 265 g weight.